Isle men encouraged to prevent domestic violence against women

Stephanie Bateman

Last year, North Lincolnshire Council joined forces with Humberside Police and Scunthorpe United Football Club to help put a stop to violence against women and they will again this year, on Monday November 16, come together and make their pledges.

Nationally, it is estimated 1.2 million women experience domestic violence every year and that around 400,000 were victims of sexual assault. Each year in North Lincolnshire, Humberside Police respond to between 190 and 250 calls every month.

This coming year, the partnership aims to achieve the White Ribbon Town Award. This is a nationally recognised award that would demonstrate North Lincolnshire’s commitment to the White Ribbon campaign and to reducing domestic abuse.

The White Ribbon campaign aims to end violence against women and promote respectful relationships. It is led by men who are willing to take a stand against violence against women and girls, and be positive role models to other men in the community.

These men are known as ambassadors. White Ribbon ambassadors are highly respected men from a wide range of sectors who encourage other men and boys in the community to participate in the global movement to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Last year many men pledged their support in North Lincolnshire, but it is hoped this year that more will sign up to be male ambassadors to help drive the initiative forward.

White Ribbon Day is on November 25 which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and there are 16 days of action following that date that the partnership is supporting.

Throughout the 16 days of action, the council has organised awareness raising events at the following locations:

Baysgarth Leisure Centre on Wednesday 25 November from 4pm to 6pm

The Pods on Tuesday 1 December from 4pm to 6pm – the Police and Crime Commissioner will attend this session

Ancholme Leisure Centre, Brigg on Monday 7 December from 4pm to 6pm

Representatives from the council’s Safer Neighbourhoods team and partner agencies will be at the events telling people about the White Ribbon campaign. They will ask people to draw around their hands on paper, signing them and encouraging people to pledge – signifying ‘these hands are not for hurting’.

Most men are not violent towards women, but many ignore the problem, or see it as something which doesn’t have anything to do with them.

The wearing of a white ribbon is a statement of men’s opposition to violence against women. Men in North Lincolnshire and across the country are being asked to make the following pledge and wear the white ribbon: ‘I pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms’.

The White Ribbon campaign focuses on the belief that change will only occur when men accept their responsibility to make changes. It is an opportunity for those men who care about the women in their lives to take responsibility to ensure that women live free from violence and fear.

Councillor Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Safer Neighbourhoods, said: “We are urging men in North Lincolnshire to come forward to pledge their support for the White Ribbon campaign and stand up to violence against women.

“This year, we will be out in communities letting people know about the campaign and answering people’s questions. Please come show your support at one of our events or sign up online as an ambassador.

“We recognise that men are also victims of domestic violence and while the vast majority are women, violence against both men and women is completely unacceptable.

“If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone that is, report it to the police. There are plenty of people out there that can offer support and advice.”

Rob Noble, Head of Marketing at Scunthorpe United Football Club, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the White Ribbon campaign and by raising awareness of this important issue at the game on Saturday 21 November, we hope more people recognise it and make a pledge to help eradicate domestic violence from society.”

Detective Inspector Craig Nicholson from Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit and an ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign said: “Humberside Police fully support this preventative campaign committing men not to abuse women, and being proactive when they are aware abuse is taking place.

“We work very closely with our partners to ensure victims of domestic abuse can feel confident in seeking help and support and we are committed to safeguarding victims and children and pursuing those individuals who perpetrate domestic abuse to ensure the pattern of abuse does not continue or escalate.

“I would encourage anyone who is suffering domestic abuse to report it to police or to seek advice and support from any of our support service partners.”

Ambassadors take an active stand to support the principles of the White Ribbon campaign and are positive role models who convey these principles and important messages to others in the community. They can be involved in many different ways, for more details visit: White Ribbon Campaign

To find out details on the White Ribbon campaign in North Lincolnshire and what would be required of ambassadors, visit: Domestic abuse

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